PrepTest 154, Section 2, Question 13
Advertisers typically prohibit graphic designers from signing their(48 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(10 more words not shown)
- AProhibitions against graphic(8 more words not shown)
- BIn advertising, the(20 more words not shown)
- CIt is not(6 more words not shown)
- DGraphic design is(11 more words not shown)
- EHolding graphic designers(11 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
If I pay for a logo, I want people noticing my business, not a signature competing with it. So I can understand why advertisers usually prohibit designers from signing their work.
The author nevertheless says it's better for designers not to remain anonymous. There could be benefits to knowing the designer. A viewer might admire a logo and want to hire the person who made it.
But that's not the reason this author gives. The stated reason is accountability: anonymity makes it difficult to hold designers responsible, which undermines effective design.
Does public anonymity really prevent accountability? The person who hired and paid the designer could still know exactly who did the work. Customers not seeing a signature doesn't necessarily stop that client from holding the designer responsible. That is a question we can raise about the support.
What we’re looking for
But we're asked for the overall conclusion, not to repair the argument. The author's point is that designers shouldn't remain anonymous. The claims about accountability and effectiveness explain why the author thinks so. Understanding that relationship lets us identify the conclusion even if we question the reason behind it.
Working the answers
- A
This describes the common practice the author responds to: advertisers prohibit signatures. It sets up the disagreement. The author isn't mainly reporting that the practice exists; the author goes on to argue against designers remaining anonymous.
- B
This explains the advertisers' reason for the usual prohibition. They want the advertisement to focus attention on the product or service. The author can recognize that purpose while arguing that anonymity has a drawback. B gives background for the opposing practice, not the author's overall conclusion.
- CCorrect
Saying anonymity is not desirable restates the claim that it is better for designers not to remain anonymous. That's what the author wants us to accept. The later discussion of accountability and effectiveness is offered in support of this judgment.
- D
This is a reason for the author's recommendation. If anonymity makes design less effective, that would help explain why anonymity is undesirable. Ask why the author brings up effectiveness: to support the broader judgment in C. D stops at the supporting claim.
- E
This is the proposed explanation for the loss of effectiveness. The argument moves from difficulty holding designers accountable, to less effective design, to the conclusion that anonymity is undesirable. E identifies the beginning of that supporting chain rather than the point it is meant to establish.
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